“That’s the magical thing about spray paint. I can actually paint a 30 foot by 60 foot, building faster than I could paint, a small, nine by 12 canvas I really could. “

A Latina born and raised in San Diego, California, Michelle Ruby aka Mrbbaby, uses elements of her heritage as inspiration for her striking and lively art work. Bbaby is heavily influenced by her community, as well as her Puerto Rican/Mexican upbringing.

By combining vibrant colors with traditional imagery, MrBbaby is able to uplift her audience and intrigue her viewers. The artist’s aim is to bring happiness and joy to her collectors and community, while also having stronger messages intertwined, all of which are open to the viewer’s interpretation.

I don’t know there’s something about murals and doing something that large scale that it’s so much more freeing than being in a little canvas. That seems a lot more stressful to me than to paint, on a wall.”

Michelle Ruby aka Mrbbaby

Michelle was raised in a predominantly Spanish speaking home with a single mother and her older sister. Her mother’s strong work ethic led her to move to San Francisco and pursue her dream as an artist. Mrbbaby lived and studied art in San Francisco. After attaining her degree, she then decided it was time for a change and returned to her home town to focus on a career.

Switching It Up While Staying Consistent to the Craft

She had a daughter of her own and was determined to lead by example, so she began teaching art full time. Although Michelle enjoyed teaching, she longed to create. She eventually moved to Los Angeles to try her go at being a full-time artist. Regardless of the many obstacles and struggles along the way, Mrbbaby was persistent and determined in all she did.

She is now residing part time in Los Angeles and part time in San Diego trying to succeed in the art world and provide a strong role model for her daughter. She has now shown in galleries, such as Chimmaya Gallery, Just another Gallery, Chicano Park Gallery, and more. She is also a muralist and has had clients ranging from Random House to San Diego Weekly, etc. 

Michelle’s mural work is becoming a major focus as her work has been up in New York, Miami, and more. “I feel like art just brings value to the community. It is something for the community versus, you know, like a little canvas that is like either for like a private client or whatever it may be. But when you do a mural, it’s literally a gift to the community, everybody’s going to see it.”

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